History

The DAF (Deutsche Arbeitsfront = German Labour Front) was the result of a forced association of all German trade unions, established on May 10, 1933. Its purpose was the coordination and control of all aspects of German labour to serve the interests of the NSDAP. The DAF leader was Reichsleiter Robert Ley.

The Werkscharen (Factory Brigades) of the DAF were the “soldiers” of the organisation, formed in 1934. They were trained and organised as paramilitary, uniformed units, yet remained unarmed. Beginning in April 1937, active Werkschar units (Stoßtrupps) would wear silver-coloured insignia, while administrators wore gold-coloured insignia. Even though Werkscharen were not affiliated with the Reichsluftschutzbund (RLB, National Air Raid Protection League), during the war they often functioned as factory air raid protection auxiliaries.
Some companies, especially major corporations, used additional security personnel, which were dubbed Werkschutz (Factory Protection), and later Werksicherheitsdienst (Factory Security Service).

The Kriegs-Musterbetriebsfahne (War Model Factory Flag) was introduced in 1941. It was awarded for outstanding production in the armaments industry.

The design is similar to the regular DAF flag, but with a black cogwheel outlined in white, and a swastika with a white and black outline. Additionally, the flag features a silver-coloured war merit cross without swords in the upper right corner (or upper left for the reverse).

This flag is very rare. For example, in 1941/42 only 19 were awarded.